Emeritus Professor Awarded Prestigious Gold Medal
Professor Rob Hart with his SASAqS Gold Medal.Professor Emeritus Rob Hart of the School of Life Sciences (SLS) was recently awarded a Gold Medal from the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) in recognition of his exceptionally high standard of research in the aquatic sciences and contributions to the field, specifically contributions to planktonic biota. The rare honour was bestowed at the society’s 54th Annual Conference in Boksburg from 25 – 28 June.
Hart joins around 17 other luminaries who have received the honour, including former Minister of Water and Forestry Affairs, the late Kader Asmal, and UKZN’s Professor Emeritus Charles Breen.
‘I was almost “blind-sided” on hearing its announcement,’ said Hart. ‘It is a privilege to receive this award by a professional scientific society that has been in existence for more than half a century.’
The SASAqS was founded as the Limnological Society of South Africa (LSSA), and is concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters throughout southern Africa.
Hart received a Fellowship from UKZN in 2005 and was awarded a DSc in Zoology in 1994. He completed his BSc in Botany and Zoology at the then-University of Natal (UN), and received his PhD in Zoology from Rhodes University in 1974, where he held an endowed Chair of Postgraduate Limnology from 1982 to 1987. Returning to the University of Natal, he held the positions of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor in Zoology. He has authored/co-authored more than 100 journal articles, a monograph on inland waters of southern Africa, and various book chapters, and supervised a number of postgraduate students.
His PhD studies on Lake Sibaya provided the only South African contribution to the International Biological Programme (IBP) on Freshwater Productivity (PF). His subsequent studies on freshwater shrimps (Caridina) in Sibaya provided baseline information for understanding Caridina’s proliferation in Lake Victoria following Nile Perch introduction.
Hart has refereed for numerous journals, served on several editorial boards, acted as committee member and advisor for a range of agencies and forums and served in various portfolios for several professional societies. His extensive research interests range from general functional biology to biological productivity and ecosystem ecology of natural coastal lakes and man-made river-reservoir systems (dams), with particular interests in the impacts of suspended sediments and nutrient pollution on the structure and functioning of river reservoirs.
Hart’s research on zooplankton has focused largely on copepods, with contributions including conceptualised exposition of a global growth rule for this prolific marine and freshwater animal assemblage and a more recent integrative synthesis of intrinsic and ecological factors determining body-size in planktonic crustaceans.
After retiring in 2007, Hart has been interrogating the use of biomanipulation to remediate severe effects of eutrophication (nutrient pollution) affecting many South African dams and posing critical threats to water security and human health. Having revealed the regional ecological futility of biomanipulation as a restorative measure, Hart remains gravely concerned at the inexorable threat posed by eutrophication. As virtually the only remaining lake limnologist in a country hugely dependent on man-made lake water storage, he does not plan to hang up his ‘boats’ just yet.
Words and photograph by: Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .UKZN hosts 16th Annual Masakhane Youth Leadership Course
Seen are some of the learners who attended the Masakhane Youth Leadership Course (MYLC). The Community Development Association (CDA), a student-led community outreach organisation, together with UKZN’s School of Education recently hosted its 16th annual Masakhane Youth Leadership Course (MYLC).
The course was attended by 250 KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Grade 11 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This seven-day course covered topics such as the definition of leadership in the context of an evolving South Africa, youth leadership and democratic participation in post-apartheid South Africa, gender and leadership, violence, conflict management and resolutions, diversity in schooling contexts, youth responsibility and resourcefulness, African leadership and the renaissance, HIV and AIDS and the youth.
Dean and Head of the School of Education and MYLC founder Professor Thabo Msibi said: ‘The Masakhane Youth Leadership Course encourages young people to think critically and broadens the youth’s leadership skills as they are mentored to initiate community projects in their schools. It also broadens the horizon of young people by exposing them to a university setting and to a variety of professionals who have excelled in their particular professions.’
During the course the learners were addressed by different guest speakers including academic and business leaders, government representatives and many more. The focus of the training centred on democracy, leadership styles, non-violence, diversity and strategic engagement.
Ms Luyanda Mbanda of KwaNtebeni Comprehensive High School described the MYLC as ‘a life-changing programme that will enable us to become better youth leaders in our schools and the communities we come from.’
Mr Hloniphani Mkhwanazi of Sakhisizwe High School added: ‘I have learnt so much during this course. I think every learner should attend this because it gives us life skills and I have made so many new friends. Being here at UKZN and seeing the campuses makes me want to come here to study.’
Having completed the course the learners are now expected to launch social responsibility projects in their respective schools with the help of university students that have mentored them throughout the course.
Words by: Nomcebo Mncube
Photographs: Ziphezinhle Silindile Biyela
author : .author email : .Women and Youth Leaders are the Key to our Future
Professor Thabo Msibi (far left) seen with the panellists who shared advice on women leadership with learners. The 16th Annual Masakhane Youth Leadership Course (MYLC) recently hosted a panel of women leaders. This dialogue session aimed to empower future leaders with practical mechanisms to aid them in their various leadership roles.
The panel consisted of UKZN academics: Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Law and Management Studies Professor Managay Reddi; Acting Dean of the School of Arts Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa; JL Dube Chair for Rural Education Professor Relebohile Moletsane; the Durban University of Technology’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement Professor Sibusiso Moyo and Founder and Director of Bloom Managing Ms Nokuthula Luthuli.
The panel engaged learners on the experiences of women in leadership positions while also encouraging them to pursue leadership positions.
Some of the sentiments shared were on how a leader should have a clear vision and plan of action on where he/she wants to be. Some of the emerging themes of the discussion related to the importance of being a pioneer and a visionary leader, especially in identifying the goal and direction of any entity.
The panelists noted that through embodying/exhibiting characteristics that exude a sense of confidence in your team is influential and reflects positively on you as a leader. One must display knowledge concerning the skills and processes of their team so as to be able to offer effective direction.
Moyo, however, gave a different angle to the term’s definitive properties, saying, ‘To me being a leader is being able to serve others, lead by example and basically to assure others what is it that may urge them to want to follow me. A leader is normally conscious of their environment and the context in which they find themselves.’
‘They should be bold enough to take up issues and roles that can make a difference to the community that they serve. It’s about having a cause which others can follow and having outcomes which are relevant to that community and society.’ She argued that leadership is about taking risks and being accountable.
Learners were advised of the many challenges, constraints and limitations in relation to achieving one’s goals but that perseverance and persistence must be adopted and executed.
The panelists recognised that women in leadership positions experience more hardships compared to their male counterparts.
Reddi added, ‘The main issue is underlying biases, underlying prejudices and discriminatory practices that are not necessarily linked to the differences between men and women. For instance, there is no difference between women’s qualifications, their intellect and brain capacity or in their qualifications and competence.’
‘Yet women are treated differently and this is as a result of stereotyping and discrimination. However, there are certain things that do impose on women’s ability to realise their full potential at work, and that is women still bear the brunt of family responsibility. These are child-bearing and child care and as a result they sometimes have to take a break from their employment which impacts on their ability to fulfil and unlock their full potential at work,’ she said.
Advice given to aid emerging leaders was that they should first acquire excellent credentials and continually train themselves because the workspace in their area of specialisation is constantly evolving.
Secondly, young people were encouraged to be vigilant when selecting people they associate with. In addition to this, hard work and aspiring towards excellence, including self-promotion was emphasised.
According to Luthuli, the stage towards change and inclusive growth has been set, it is now up to women leaders to identify something they feel passionate about and take a stand. ‘Who should rise to come up with solutions to these issues, the very people who are suffering,’ she said.
Words and photograph by: Ziphezinhle Silindile Biyela
author : .author email : .Education Students Present at Gender Conference in London
From left: Ms Shaaista Moosa and Ms Nicci Carboni. Postgraduate students in Education Ms Shaaista Moosa (PhD) and Ms Nicci Carboni (Masters) recently presented their research papers at the International Gender and Education Association Conference in London. They attended the event with their supervisor Professor Deevia Bhana.
This was Moosa’s first time attending an international conference and traveling overseas. ‘Interacting and engaging with other scholars from around the world has inspired me in so many ways and it will definitely assist me in completing my PhD soon. I have become more confident in my work knowing that my research output is most definitely reaching an international audience.’
She believes that providing opportunities for students to attend conferences will assist them in becoming fully-fledged researchers who she says are confident about their research and inspired to always push themselves beyond their limits. ‘This conference has definitely shown me that through hard work and determination, one’s possibilities become endless.’
Her ongoing joint research with her supervisor explores how primary school teachers at five schools in KwaZulu-Natal construct men as teachers of young children in the Foundation Phase of schooling. The findings showed how primary school teacher participants positioned men as unsuitable teachers of young children whilst endorsing specific ideals of hegemonic masculinity.
They also positioned men and women within strict gendered roles. ‘This gave us insight into how primary school teachers contribute to reproducing Foundation Phase teaching as a feminised profession as well as the maintenance of counter feminist masculine ideals,’ said Moosa.
Carboni’s research topic was titled, “Learning Sex: how young people consume online sexually-explicit materials and give meaning to gender and sexualities”. For this Conference, she presented on a segment of the data, which focused on young girls’ sexual agency and cyber-subjectivity via online sexually-explicit materials.
During the Conference, Carboni attended ground-breaking talks, workshops and performances in the field of gender and sexualities presented by leading academics in the field. ‘I had the privilege of personally interacting with many dynamic academics and fellow students, and have already found myself benefiting from the networking opportunities and the sharing of ideas. The knowledge gained is invaluable and will certainly assist me as I continue my postgraduate studies. I would recommend more opportunities be provided for South African students to attend such conferences,’ she said.
Both students expressed gratitude to their supervisor. ‘Professor Deevia Bhana has been an absolute pillar of strength and encouragement for me, and she has always believed in my abilities. Her professionalism and extensive experience in the field of gender and sexuality has also inspired me to excel, and to work with determination,’ said Carboni.
Words by: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .38th Durban International Film Festival Celebrates Opening Night
Red Carpet highlights at the 38th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) Opening Night at the Playhouse Theatre.The 38th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within UKZN’s College of Humanities, recently opened at the Durban Playhouse Theatre. It was a glamourous red carpet event under the #FashionMeetsFilm theme which also included the premiere screening of the highly anticipated SERPENT, a South African film by Amanda Evans.
The film follows a couple’s emotional journey as they battle to find and reignite their love, in a wilderness where they are trapped in a tent with a venomous snake. As secrets unravel, with no escape, they are forced to deal with their demons, simultaneously making life and death decisions.
Said Evans: ‘I didn’t even know that the film was being considered for DIFF and for it to open the Festival is fantastic. I hope everyone enjoys the film.’
Also on opening night, the late SA filmmaker Junaid Ahmed and actor Joe Mafela were posthumously honoured for their contribution to the South African film industry while Chairperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and renowned playwright Mr Welcome Msomi was awarded with the first Friend of DIFF award for his ongoing support of the Festival.
Festival Manager Ms Chipo Zhou said, ‘We have a strong focus this year on women-led films and we are particularly pleased that the opening night film is led by a female director and it sets the tone for the rest of the Festival. I am excited that this year, we have a variety of films that appeal to different audiences with a diversity of new content. We will continue to grow the festival and to develop future filmmakers ahead of the 40th edition of DIFF.’
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities Professor Stephen Mutula added: ‘We are excited to once again host this spectacular Festival. We encourage attendance and guarantee a showcase of riveting and enlightening films from around globe, as well as valuable programmes for film industry hopefuls.’
The Durban International Film Festival runs until 23 July 2017. The Festival includes theatrical screenings, as well as the Wavescape Film Festival and various industry initiatives, including the 10th Talents Durban programme (in co-operation with the Berlin Talent Campus) and the 8th Durban FilmMart co-production market (in partnership with the Durban Film Office).
For more information go to www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za.
Words by: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic Presents on Rural-Friendly Public Service at International Politics of Inclusion Workshop
Professor Betty Mubangizi (in red) with CROP’s Scientific Committee members.College of Law and Management Studies Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Betty Mubangizi contributed her expertise on the topic of rural-urban divide of local government and its role in social inclusion which was the theme of the workshop titled: “The Politics of Inclusion”. The workshop was organised by the Comparative Research Programme on Poverty (CROP) and UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations Programme (MOST).
It created a platform for academics and practitioners from a variety of countries to explore ways in which collaboration between UN entities and research networks and institutions could facilitate a shift in public policy-oriented analysis, from policy to politics and from particular anti-poverty interventions to longer-term development strategies focusing on social and economic inclusion.
‘My conceptual paper highlighted the need for research in understanding the modalities of a rural-friendly public service – a public service that is cognisant of the burden that bureaucratic processes and the rural-urban divide place on the rural and socially excluded when it comes to accessing public services,’ explained Mubangizi.
The workshop also coincided with CROP’s Scientific Committee meeting. As a recently appointed Committee member, this was Mubangizi’s first meeting. The committee serves as a think tank and support structure which advises CROP in setting a research agenda as well as knowledge generation and dissemination processes.
Mubangizi is looking forward to using insights gained from this experience to advance teaching and learning at the College.
Words by: Thandiwe Jumo
author : .author email : .Students Motivated to Pursue an Accounting Career at Maths Development Camp
Students who attended the Maths Development camp.The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted the KwaZulu-Natal SAICA Mathematics Development Camp at the University’s Pietermaritzburg campus.
The camp, which focused on mathematics intervention and career guidance regarding scarce and critical skills, housed 282 Grade 12 learners from 71 schools.
Addressing the students in his welcome speech was School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF) lecturer Mr Yoshin Chetty, who shared his own personal challenges and obstacles in life and encouraged students to follow their dreams.
‘It’s not that your current circumstances are a limiting factor, as some want you to believe. You are bigger than that, there is no limit to what you want to achieve. The limits people place on you and the limits you place on yourself are imaginary. What you put your mind to can and will happen if you are willing to put in the work. Love what you do so you can do what you love,’ he said.
SAICA’s Transformation and Growth Project Manager, Mr Lethukuthula Mkhize said the camp’s primary aim was to assist and identify learners who were interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification and other scarce qualifications in the field of Accountancy.
‘SAICA conducts these camps in order to serve two critical strategic objectives: 1. Mathematics intervention for those who desire to access institutions of higher learning that require Mathematics as one of the subject requirements to enter into the course and 2. The camps are a strategic and tactical vehicle whereby we can identify a pool of learners who have an interest in scarce and critical skill professions such as Chartered Accountancy. We are able to identify these learners and provide a clear and coherent career guidance towards these professions,’ he said.
‘Mathematics is a critical subject and is one of the subjects that is lowly passed by learners. By providing intervention methods and techniques through our camps, we believe that we are assisting the Department of Education in improving its results, helping learners have greater potential at gaining access into institutions of higher learning,’ he added.
While the programme focused on the teaching and learning aspect, the pupils did however participate in social activities such as indoor games, sport nights, photo sessions and presentations from other institutions of higher learning such as Mangosuthu University of Technology, the University of Zululand, the University of the Western Cape and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
The programme concluded with a gala dinner and awards evening where the pupils were addressed by the SAEF Acting Dean and Head of School Professor Mabutho Sibanda and Departmental officials such as the: Department of Education Provincial Co-ordinator-Career Guidance and Counselling Ms Cornelia Mcunu; Deputy Head: Departmental Accounting (Trading Services) at eThekwini Municipality, Ms Xoliswa Hlongwane CA (SA); and Head of Ministry at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Kwazi Mshengu.
Words by: Sibonelo Shinga
author : .author email : .UKZN hosts a Fruitful International Conference on Plastination
Delegates at the 12th Interim International Conference on Plastination.The Discipline of Clinical Anatomy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in conjunction with the International Society for Plastination successfully hosted a fruitful 12th Interim International Conference on Plastination. The Conference ran from 2 - 7 July and was held at the Graduate School of Business (GSB) Auditorium on UKZN’s Westville campus.
Plastination is a technique used to preserve bodies or body parts for teaching and research purposes.
This Conference was the very first of its kind to be held in Africa. UKZN was honored to host the high profile conference and to welcome national and international speakers and participants who made this Conference a success.
This event allowed participants an opportunity to exchange ideas concerning challenges in plastination and anatomy education in sub-Saharan Africa. More significantly is the capacity building afforded to UKZN and South African participants through the hands-on workshop by the best in plastination globally?
Dr Onyemaechi Azu, Conference Co-Coordinator and academic at UKZN’s Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (LMMS) said there is an increase in the intake of students at medical schools but a shortage in the number of specimens for training and research activities.
‘With the shortage of cadavers for teaching and learning and research globally, plastination will become an essential technique to increase the resources available for demonstration and teaching in anatomical sciences,’ said Azu.
Amongst speakers who did oral presentations and poster presentations at the conference was Head of the Morphological Anatomy Division at the University of Witwatersrand and member of the Federative International Committee for Ethics and Medical Humanities, Professor Amadi Ihunwo, who deliberated on ethical issues around plastination.
Respected international experts in plastination like Professor Dmitry Starchik from the International Morphological Centre in Russia focused his talk on “Silicone Techniques at room temperature” while Professor Rafael Latorre from the University of Murcia in Spain discussed “Epoxy Technique Overview in Plastination”. Professor Kees de Jong from the Medical School of Zhejiang University Hangzhou in China eagerly shared “principles of polyester techniques in Plastination”.
Professor Scott Lozanoff from John A Burns School of Medicine in Hawaii, USA demonstrated the use of plastinated specimen for developing augmented reality learning experiences.
This Conference was supported and made possible by UKZN’s Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO), the National Research Foundation (NRF), Netcare, Joint Medical Holdings Ltd (JMH), Biodur, and UKZN’s School of LMMS.
Words by: Lihle Sosibo
author : .author email : .UKZN Enactus Team at National Competition in Johannesburg
Members of the Enactus UKZN Team at the June Camp in preparation for the Nationals.UKZN’s Enactus team has entered two projects in the organisation’s national competition being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg this week.
The projects are the Jonga Phezulu AgriHub Farming Project and Umtate Wamabomvu.
During the national competition, UKZN Enactus members get the opportunity to engage with business leaders from high profile companies such as Barloworld, Unilever, MTN and KPMG.
The team gathered recently for the June camp on the Pietermaritzburg campus in preparation for nationals. Project reviews took place with the aim of establishing ways to improve and further develop the projects which empower communities economically, socially and environmentally.
Enactus UKZN has worked on a total of eight projects so far this year, putting in hard work to assist beneficiaries.
Enactus South Africa hosts national competitions every year with a variety of universities in the country showcasing work they are doing to transform lives and facilitate progress through entrepreneurial action.
One team will be selected at nationals to represent South Africa at the Enactus World Cup 2017 in London.
Enactus UKZN has won the nationals five times - in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012 – and was runner-up in 2013 and 2014.
Words by: Nomqhele Dube
author : .author email : .Inhlangano I-Durban Research Action Partnership (D’RAP) Iklonyeliswe Ngesitifiketi Emcimbini Wama-Eco-Logic Awards
Iqembu le-Durban Research Action Partnership.Click here for the English version
Inhlangano i-D’ARP iklonyeliswe ngesitifiketi emcimbini wokuklomelisa abezomkhakha wezokulondolozwa kwemvelo ama-Eco-Logic Awards lapho bekuhlonishwa imisebenzi abayenzayo ekwakhiweni kwemvelo enekusasa. Lo mcimbi ububanjwe yinhlangano i-Enviropaedia, ubungowokuhlonipha futhi uklomelise nabenza umsebenzi oncomekayo okungabantu nezinhlangano kwezokuvikelwa kwemvelo nokwakhiwa komnothomvelo waseNingizimu Afrika.
I-D’RAP beyingenye yezinhlangano ebezikowamanqamu emkhakheni woMasipala, kunikezelwe ngemiklomelo emikhakheni eyishumi nantathu ebiklonyeliswa. I-D’RAP ingumsebenzi wokubambisana phakathi kukaMasipala WaseThekwini kanye neNyuvesi YaKwazulu-Natali (obandakanya abasebenzi abevile emashumini amabili) owasungulelwa ukuqeqesha nokuthuthukisa ulwazi olukhona emikhakheni ebalulekile kakhulu ephathelene nemvelo esifundeni saseThekwini ngokusebenzisa imisebenzi yocwaningo.
‘Lokhu kuhlonishwa kuyizindaba ezimnandi kubo bonke abebebambe iqhaza futhi kufakazela izinga eliphezulu lomsebenzi owenziwa amaqembu ahlanganise izisebenzi zikamasipala nezaseNyuvesi,’ kusho u-Errol Douwes, onguMphathi wophiko lweze-Restoration Ecology kuMasipala WeTheku
OnguMhleli we-Enviropaedia nokunguye obehlele lo mcimbi u-David Parry-Davies, utuse abaklonyelisiwe ngokuba amaqhawe ezokulondolozwa kwemvelo athatha izinselelo kwezemvelo aziguqule zibe amathuba okwakha izisombululo eziyingqayizivele futhi eziletha intuthuko enekusasa.
Abehluleli bekungabaphathi abakhulu emkhakheni wezemvelo, amabhizinisi, uhulumeni kanye nezokuxhumana obekuqinisekisa ukuthi uhlelo lokwahlulela luhamba ngendlela eqondile futhi ehlelekile.
I-D’RAP isisungule imisebenzi eminingi ehlose ngayo ukuletha izinguquko kwezemvelo ngokuhlomisa abafundi ngolwazi kwezempilokuhlukana, isimo sezulu ngokwenkathi kanye nabantu ezindaweni eziya ngokuguquka ziba amadolobha. Igxile kakhulu kwezesayensi eletha izisombululo elekelela amadolobha ukuthi akwazi ukulondoloza imvelo futhi alwisane nokuguquka kwesimo sezulu. Ubuholi basekhaya kanye neziphathimandla zikaMasipala weTheku sezikhombise ukuqonda okujulile ngokwesekela ucwaningo oluqhamuka nezisombululo ezintsha futhi oluhlanganisa imikhakha ehlukene. Lokhu kuholele ekusungulweni kwe-D’RAP ebhekana nezinselelo ezingumthelela wokukhula kwesibalo sabantu nokuguquka kwezindawo ziba amadolobha, kulesi simo, lobu budlelwano bubaluleke kakhulu ukuqinisekisa imiphumela ezokweseka imiphakathi yeTheku nemvelo yakhona.
I-D’RAP iqale imisebenzi emithathu emikhulu: i-KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld (KZNSS) Research Programme, i-Buffelsdraai Community Reforestation Project kanye ne-Global Environmental Change (GEC) Research Programme.
I-D’RAP ikhombisa ukubaluleka kokukhulisa izinga lokuqhuba ucwaningo esifundeni ikakhulukazi ngokuqeqesha abafundi abangamashumi amahlanu nanye – ukuze bathole iziqu eziphakeme. Lokhu kungumphumela omuhle kakhulu emkhakheni entula amakhono kwezemvelo nezempilokuhlukana lapho ukuqeqesha nezokuphatha zibaluleke kakhulu ukuze kuthathwe imiphumela yocwaningo isetshenziswe ukuze kube nezisombululo ezibonakalayo.
I-D’RAP isebenzisa ukubambisana kwezikhungo ezihlukene ukuze kukhiqizwe ulwazi, kuqeqeshwe abantu futhi kuvalwe negebe phakathi kwezocwaningo lwesayensi, ukwakhiwa kwenqubomgomo nezokuphatha emkhakheni wezohulumeni basekhaya.
Ibhalwe: ngu-Christine Cuénod
Isithombe: ngu-Errol Douwes
author : .author email : .